Clinical Quality

Quality and Patient Safety

Palmetto Health is committed to providing the highest possible level of clinical quality and patient safety. Through the efforts of our physicians and staff, we have significantly reduced harm events and mortality (we rank in the top 10 percent of all hospitals in the nation) and consistently achieve high scores in CMS Appropriate Care Measures. Our success has been remarkable but there is much more to do!

The following key activities are foundational to our overall quality and safety agenda.

Each ACM has a set of best practices. Clinical data is extracted from the EMR for submission to CMS and The Joint Commission.

Multidrug-resistant Organisms

MDRO reduction activites include isolation bundles and active MRSA screening for high risk patients. The isolation bundle includes use of personal protective equipment (PPE), correct transmission-based precaution sign, and an isolation order in the computer.

Documentation of history of MDRO is located in the Cerner Problem List and Isolation Report.

Pain Management

The patient's self-report of pain is the most reliable indicator of the existence of pain.

The patient should be informed about potential limitations and adverse effects of pain treatment.

Nursing staff is generally responsible for pain assessment and reassessment. Physicians will be contacted to re-evaluate pain management orders based on the ongoing assessment process.

Time Out

Timeout occurs just prior to the start of every procedure and involves the verification of the correct patient, correct side and site, correct invasive/surgical procedure, correct patient position, and as applicable any required implants and special equipment or requirements.

The communication process must be active and include at minimum the surgeon, anesthesia provider, nurse and surgical technologist.